In response to Arizona Governor Doug Ducey’s recent announcement regarding new public health guidance in Executive Order 2020-40, the City of Bullhead City is strongly encouraging its residents and visitors to wear a face covering or mask to help contain the spread of COVID-19. Due to the current surge in the area, we also strongly encourage businesses and retail stores to require face coverings or masks to enter their establishments.

A portion of Executive Order 2020-40 section 4 states that counties, cities, and towns are permitted to adopt policies regarding the wearing of face coverings in public for the purpose of mitigating the spread of COVID-19.

“Governor Ducey has left it up to the cities and counties to decide whether wearing face masks is required in our communities,” said Bullhead City Mayor Tom Brady. “In agreement with our neighboring cities and the county, we are not making it mandatory to wear a mask in public; however, we strongly advise wearing a face covering if you are unable to physically distance yourself from others. After discussions with county health and hospital officials, we are not in a ‘crisis level’ of emergency to mandate anything at this time.” 

The City of Bullhead City will continue to monitor the spread of COVID-19 in our area and we encourage everyone to stay vigilant and continue to follow CDC guidelines:

·         Wash hands often. If soap or water is not readily available, use hand sanitizer.

·         Avoid close contact. Physically distance yourself at least 6 feet.

·         Cover your mouth and nose with a face covering or mask when around others.

·         Cover coughs and sneezes.

·         Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.

·         Monitor your health and stay at home when sick.

The Governor also offered enhanced guidance regarding limited congregating. Arizona’s Stay Healthy, Return Smarter, Return Stronger Executive Order issued on May 12 requires businesses and other entities operating in the state to implement health and safety plans to protect workers and customers and mitigate the spread of COVID-19. 

Businesses should review their safety plan. For businesses that adhere to the City of Bullhead City’s recommendation to require face coverings/masks to enter local establishments, compliance will be left up to the businesses. Updated guidance issued by Arizona Department of Health Services requires specific health measures are taken by establishments, including:

·         Physically distancing of 6 feet.

·         Providing employees with face coverings and requiring usage.

·         Conducting symptom checks for all employees before shifts.

·         Requiring sick employees to stay home.

·         Increasing the frequency of employee hygiene, cleaning and disinfecting. 

For more information, please visitwww.bullheadcity.com/covid19 or to read the full Executive Order at: https://azgovernor.gov/executive-orders.